The Northern Ireland Rural Valuers Association just formed will be the local association of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, a respected body whose members provide professional advice and valuation expertise on issues affecting the countryside in England and Wales. Among the members of the new body is Matthew Stuart, from Fermanagh, who now works at Baronscourt Estate.

The NIRVA will be providing support and advice to landowners and managers in the Province.

Next Wednesday night, November 21, in the Dunadry Inn, near Antrim, a new insight to the CAP Reform proposals will be given by the Secretary and Adviser to the CAAV, Jeremy Moody.

Landowners, managers and farmers alike are invited to attend the special event starting at 6.30pm.

At the forefront of many land managers' thoughts is the current proposed reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and the implementation and management of agri-environment schemes.

On Wednesday, Jeremy will provide an update on progress on the reform process to date and the wider implications this has on the agricultural industry, as well as providing a unique insight on where the proposals may eventually lead. In addition to CAP reform, Jeremy will provide a review of the electronic communications code and an update on Capital Gains Tax (Entrepreneur's Relief) and Inheritance Tax issues.

Accompanying Jeremy Moody will be the President of the CAAV, Simon Pallett who was brought up in Hungerford, Berkshire. Following three years at Reading University (1974-1977), where he took a first in Estate Management, he completed his training with Banks & Silvers of Evesham, Worcestershire. He moved to Newbury in 1979 to join his father John Pallett at A W Neate & Sons becoming a partner in 1981. The firm grew and merged with Dreweatts to become Dreweatt Neate in 1987 where he subsequently headed their Rural Division. In 2009 the firm merged with Carter Jonas.

CAAV members provide professional advice to a range of individuals, such as current or prospective owner occupiers, landlords and tenants, public authorities, lenders, farmers, estate owners and conservation bodies. The CAAV advises on matters such as valuations and taxation, agency and management, agriculture, landlord and tenant matters, compulsory purchase and compensation claims and rural planning and development amongst others.